MARK PEMBRIDGE claims he joined Fulham this week despite being told he had been Everton's best player this season - ahead of even Wayne Rooney.

MARK PEMBRIDGE claims he joined Fulham this week despite being told he had been Everton's best player this season - ahead of even Wayne Rooney.

The Wales midfielder admits the move came as a surprise after he was initially informed of Fulham's bid by Everton boss David Moyes immediately after the Merseyside derby defeat by Liverpool on Saturday.

Pembridge said, "I was surprised. The gaffer told me Fulham had made a bid and I said I would be interested.

"I felt that if the club were telling me about the bid and had not turned it down, then they were prepared to accept it and that told me what the situation was.

"David Moyes said that I had been Everton's best player this season, but that after I had said I was interested in the move, it was a deal he could not match and the club would accept."

The midfielder will turn his energies to Wales' Euro 2004 match in Italy on Saturday, with some regrets at leaving Goodison Park.

He said, "I really enjoyed my time there, the fans were always magnificent with me, home and away, and I will have plenty of good memories.

"They are a smashing club and with a good manager who is determined to improve them, and he certainly already has.

"There are some great young players there too, who are going to make a great career for themselves. I will miss the place."